10 May 2012

PNG PM signals push for deferral of elections has finished

1:03 pm on 10 May 2012

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill says preparations by the Electoral Commission for this year's general elections are adequate.

Members of Mr O'Neill's coalition government continue to voice concern about the state of the electoral roll which many MPs claim is dangerously incomplete.

Last month, MPs voted for a six-month delay in the poll, but the Commissioner, Andrew Trawen, insists polling will be ready to proceed in late June.

Mr O'Neill has signalled that the push for a delay won't be revisited when parliament sits next week.

He says the areas of concern over election preparations are manageable.

"It is not perfect but I think it is enough to deliver an election and as I've said many times before, we are supportive of the Electoral Commissioner and the team. We have extended more resources to them (Electoral Commission) in terms of financing. We are also putting manpower resources from many of the other government departments to assist the Electoral Commissioner."

Peter O'Neill